I-40 Widening Project Slated To Begin Wednesday

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WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — The barrels are standing by like soldiers ready to go into battle. Trucks are moving and all those bright lights are in position. The talk about the much-anticipated Interstate 40 widening turns into action Wednesday -- action that will add another lane to the interstate from Interstate 540 to the Durham Freeway.

Roscoe Narron, who cruises I-40 everyday in the Incident Management Assistance Patrol truck, says the upcoming construction is going to be much more dangerous.

"Most people in general are nice and obey the rules, but you've got the few that don't," he says. "They're the ones that cause the problems, so if we can get them to pay attention, we'll have a safe journey out through here."

WRAL has received several e-mails about the widening of I-40. The most frequently asked question is, "Do I still have to slow down to 55 even if they're not working when I drive by?" The answer is "yes," and it could cost you $250 if you do not drive 55.

The I-40 work will start at Interstate 540 and move along the westbound lanes to the Durham Freeway. Then crews will work from the freeway to I-540
in the eastbound lanes. All lane closures will happen from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the week, and 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. on weekends.